THE historic heart of Bridgwater has a new visitor – Fallen Moon, an installation created by Bristol artist Luke Jerram, is on show in Bridgwater Docks, as part of the regeneration of this important port on the river Parrett. It will be visible in the docks until 3rd November.

Luke Jerram is well-known for his previous planetary and astronomical installations, including Gaia. Many of them have toured the world. Fallen Moon has been created from NASA data. The sculpture is a giant 10m diameter replica of the moon, illuminated on the water. The artwork is 350,000 times smaller than the real moon with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture describing 3.5 km of the mon’s surface.

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones. The sculpture was inspired by the artist’s hometown and noticing the huge tidal variation as he cycled over the Avon Cut to his studio each day.

The moon has always inspired humanity, acting as a ‘cultural mirror’ to society, reflecting the ideas and beliefs of people around the world. Over the centuries, the moon has been interpreted as a god and as a planet. It has been used as a timekeeper, calendar and a source of light to aid night-time navigation. Throughout history the moon has inspired artists, poets, scientists, writers and musicians. The ethereal blue light cast by a full moon, the delicate crescent following the setting sun or the mysterious dark side of the moon have evoked passion and exploration.

Alongside the installation at the docks, there is an exhibition of astrophotography at The Engine Room on Bridgwater High Street. Royal Photographic Society member Dr Lillian Hope has been photographing the night sky for more than 20 years and her work includes lunar and solar imagery along with auroras, nebulas and galaxies.

Dr Hobbs has several domes for viewing in her garden. A keen imager, especially since the introduction of CCD cameras, she has been featured on the BBC Sky at Night and has written a number of astronomy books. She is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Both Fallen Moon and the astrophotography exhibition have been made possible thanks to Bridgwater Town Deal funding. The free exhibition at The Engine Room will be open until Friday 25th October 10am – 4pm with some images available for viewing at night through the windows.

Pictured: Fallen Moon in Bridgwater Docks, and an astrophotograph of craters on the moon, © Lilian Hobbs RPS